Lower Urinary Tract Flashcards
What structures are part of the lower urinary tract?
ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra
What epithelium is in the lower urinary tract?
transitional epithelium
What defense mechanisms does the lower urinary tract have?
mucosal immunity, epithelial turnover, and flushing action of urine
What is the flushing action of urine important for?
flushing out ascending baceria and mineral precipitates
What is ureteritis?
inflammation of the ureters
What is cystitis?
inflammation of the bladder
What is urethritis?
inflammation of the urethra
What is the common cause for inlammation of the lower urinary tract?
ascending bacterial infections
What is hydroureter?
dilation of the ureter
What is cystomegaly?
dilation of the bladder
What does dilation of the ureter or bladder usually secondary to?
obstruction - strictures, urolithiasis
What is urolithiasis?
stone formation typically in the renal pelvis or the bladder
What are uroliths usually made out of?
struvites
What are predisposing factors for urolithiasis?
alkaline Urine, dehydration, bacterial infections, and diet
Where do obstructions usually occur?
at narrow points - the sigmoid flexure, os penis, or narrow male feline urethra